OK...so I finally got around to installing my new mirrors with the built in turn indicators. I started this over a week ago. Why so long to finish? Well, because I broke something and had to order a new part.

You see, the Softail Deluxe has several wiring harnesses under the gas tank. In order to install the mirrors...you guessed it. I had to remove the tank. In my haste, I managed to break the well designed mostly plastic fuel line that runs from the tank to the metal feed tube on the engine. Forty-five dollars and a week later, I installed the new line and finished the job.

I also had to return the luggage and order a different set that is specifically designed to fit my sissy bar and back rest pad. Seems the universal set Bobbi picked up for me wasn't so universal. That came in the same day as my fuel line.

Some crappy pics taken in the garage are below - it's been raining for 3 straight days and I'll have to wait to break in the new toys.

It's been a busy time in motorcycle land. I've crossed 650 miles, turned 38 years old and discovered that I need a backrest to ride longer distances. To that end, I was able to uncover a pretty cool solution. I'd given up my HD "Reach" seat...while nice in concept - it lowered the seat height another inch - it was hard as a rock. Add to that fact that my lower back got pretty sore riding any longer than 25 miles, and I had a problem. Enter the wonderful world of the interweb...over at HD Forums, I discovered that Harley made a nice chrome rail for their Springer Softail. To this rail you can attach a backrest. And to top it off, the rail was interchangeable with the grab rail on the stock Deluxe seat. Great, right? Nope. Unfortunately, Harley no longer had it available in their catalog. My friends on HD Forum pointed me to the Chicago Harley dealership; they had a nice web site to place orders and supposedly could still get 'em. Well, one Internet order and three weeks later, and I had my solution. Before and after posted below...

In the pic on the right, I've left off the passenger pillion and the backrest for solo riding. I think it makes the bike look a little different, while also yelling, "I'm a loner!" It's only a three minute job to reinstall everything for two-up riding.

The passing of my 38th birthday and father's day was marked by some very cool gifts from my family. As a side note, I now know how kids born around Christmas feel - my birthday and Father's Day are always in the same week, or like this year, on consecutive days.

For Father's Day, I scored these sweet set of new mirrors with built in turn signals. Of course, I quickly discovered I have to remove my gas tank to tap into the electrical system, so you know what that means - I'll have absolutely no problem installing them I'll bust something and it'll cost me $500 to get it fixed. For by birthday, the family nailed it again, by setting me up with some very cool touring luggage. Soon I'll be on the road, terrorizing small town bars with my hygienic, well-dressed self.

Lastly, my son picked me up a very cool Guardian Bell with an eagle on it. Given the amount of grief we give each other, I told him it was very cool to receive a present that is given with the intent of keeping you safe, instead of causing death and destruction. :)

Need I say any more?